Companion Publication Biotechnology and Sustainable Development

Next Steps

Back to Table of Contents

This overview document will be complemented by a meta-review that has been commissioned by ICSU and its Advisory Committee on Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ACOGEB). This meta review analyses the key findings of some twenty reviews on GM foods and crops that have been conducted by various national, international and private agencies within the past three years.

Several reviews have concentrated on those aspects of gene technology most likely to affect human health, while others were more concerned with the potential impact of gene technology on agriculture and the environment. Some reviews, both national and international, were charged with advising governments on appropriate regulatory frameworks for gene technology. Other reviews have been concerned specifically with the potential impact of gene technology in emerging economies. Several reviews have looked not only at the scientific issues but have also considered the broader context, including the ethics, and values that underpin the interaction between science and societies in different parts of the world. The reviews were mainly those conducted by means of independent panels of experts, usually commissioned by national academies of science or by international agencies, including the United Nations agencies.

The content of the reviews is being analysed in the areas of:

·        Human health - Risks and benefits

·        Agriculture and the environment

·        Regulatory frameworks

·        Emerging issues

·        Gaps in knowledge

Particular attention is given to identifying the areas of commonality amongst the reviews, identifying any areas of differing perspective, and highlighting those areas where there are gaps in knowledge that may be able to be addressed through additional well targeted research.

Back to top

Go to ICSU 2003 publication New Genetics, Food and Agriculture